Everyone has a different perspective- a different outlook on life. How we all choose to interpret the world we share depends on what lens we use. Our attitudes, choices, and actions are all affected by the angle and way we look out of our own lenses. My lifelooklens varies. One lens stays true to capture all the things in my world. I take pictures of EVERYTHING. I'm glad I do and don't mind if some think my pictures and ramblings are boring. This blog is a glimpse at life through my lens...

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Steel Magnolias & Cheekwood Blooms

I have tons of pictures now since I
went a little camera crazy during my visit to Cheekwood this weekend. These are
a few favorites, taken of two magnolias that grew beautifully on trees
surrounding paved walkways. My mom and I love going to Cheekwood- though this
was only my first visit to her garden oasis of relaxation. I can’t help but
think of one of our favorite movies when I see these flowers. Steel Magnolias
is a film that makes my mom cry every time she watches Sally Field mourn the
loss of Shelby, who is played by Julia Roberts. A chick flick to its core, this
movie is still a classic for us. It’s about the love shared between a mother
and daughter- as this day was for me. My sister would have been spouting movie
quotes if she had been with us when we snapped pictures of these blooms, no
doubt. Mom’s got an eye for photography, though she often allows her modesty to
falsely belittle her exceptional talent. On this day, mom met me, camera
in-hand. We ventured through the park, taking picture after picture of every
beautiful thing we saw. I feel it’s appropriate that this post be centered on
the day we spent together- and a few movie quotes from mom’s all-time favorite
film are certainly well suited to commemorate our adventure!

The flower is associated with
nobility, perseverance, dignity and a love of nature. Magnolias are often used
in floral arrangements such as wedding bouquets to represent the purity and
dignity of the bride. They are popular in Southern-style weddings because the
flower is often identified with the South.

A "steel magnolia" is a
popular phrase denoting the strength a Southern woman possesses. This phrase
was popularized by the 1989 movie, "Steel Magnolias," in which six
Southern women
endure various hardships but rise above them. The term refers to the delicate
yet strong nature women have.

“l can report that the Sherwood
Florist delivery truck......stops by her house at least twice
a week.”“He knows l like fresh flowers.” – Steel Magnolias

“I
find it amusing. Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something. I just
sat there. I just held Shelby’s hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just
peace. Oh, God. I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that
wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out.
It was the most precious moment of my life.” – Sally Field, in Steel Magnolias

(Don’t
cry mom- it’s just a movie. You can cry when you watch it again for the
trillionth time but not here when you’re reading a blog.)

I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don't see movies 'cause
they're trash, and they got nothin' but naked people in 'em! And I don't read books, 'cause if they're any good, they're gonna make 'em into a miniseries.

– Steel Magnolias

That quote above sounds just like my mom, when she vents about how 'trashy' movies have become. I'm sure she also thinks there should be more movies made like her #1 film of all time. I must say, I agree.